Hello class, we have a new weekend guy today. Everyone say hello!Everyone: HI NEWBIE!
There. Now for a real intro.

Newbie: Yes, it's me again. I, Cheshire Catalyst, will be answering your questions. I
am also taking over for Gin'Irochi on weekends. You ask, I answer. Fairly
simple process. I know a good bit about RPG's for the PC, so if any of you
have questions burning about Septerra Core or Baldur's Gate or somesuch, give
me a call. Imagine! YOUR letter could wind up being posted here. It'd be like
you were a star for a day.
And if you like my smart-aleck comments here, check out the other site I write
for, "animealert.org". We actually watch anime, and then (this is so wild)
write about it on the internet!
I don't think anyone else is doing this, I could be wrong though.
Ok, question time. My fifteen minutes of fame start....
...
...
...
now!

It was a misrable, rainy day in Canada when I went to pick up FF9
from EB. The people at the store, who know me onyl as "the guy who
buys only RPGs", were kind enough to not only give me my game, but
something else I was owed.

The Ghaleon punching puppet.

Yeah, that cute little toy that you get for reserving Lunar: Eternal
Blue. The fine folks at EB were kind enough to give me mine before
they quickly ran out (And YES, I reserved the game, so I'm not
screwing the system). After I was finished with my blinding rage that
my copy of FF9 only came with a FRENCH instrucion booklet, I decided
to play with the cute little Magic Emperor. And you know what?

This thing is the coolest toy I've ever seen.

Let's consider the facts;
1) It's non-painful. I spent 5 minutes punching myself in the cheek.
As stupid as that sounds, the fact that there was no pain involved
made it kinda fun.
2) Even the box is amusing. You gotta like anything that refers to
Nash as "monkey-boy".
3) There's a picture of a Alex punching puppet. Is this a sign of free
stuff of the future? Perhaps with Lunar 3?
4)It's free. Free is good. Or perhaps Lunar 2 itself is free and all
the extra stuff costs money?
5) It's a limited edition, which means I can brag that "I have one,
you don't, nyah-nyah-nyah".

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make a miniature punching bag for
the thing.

Esquire J

Young'in:Puppets are fun. When I was on a trip to Baltimore with my high school
band a few years ago, we all bought alien boxing puppets. But my
puppet's arm sorta malfunctioned, and instead of punching he did
something that looked somewhat obscene.
Maybe this is a new, positive trend in RPG marketing: toys. I can see it
now. "Dress-up Rinoa", "Baron Castle playset", and the limited edition,
"Vivi blow-up love doll."

Googleshng:When I preordered Lunar 2, I recieved
two options. Put down $10 to get it, or put down $15 to get it and the puppet. I put down
$10.

This little piggy went to Gamecube

Ok, I got two questions today:

1: Does Ganondorf make an appearance in Majora's Mask? I know he does
in all
the others (I'm assuming the guy in the Game Over scene in AoL is
Ganon).
Ganondorf is easily the kewlest villian ever (next to Sarevok and
Sephiroth,
of course).

2: Are slimes animals or just really large protists?

BL Alien

Green-boy:Ganon does not play any active role in "Majora's Mask" This is not to
say that he's not in the game at all. He could have snuck into the
ending. But I do know that the main villain of Majora's mask is "The
Skull Kid", not Ganondorf.
As a villain, Ganon's improved since his fat, porcine days on the NES
and SNES. Sarevok(from Baldur's Gate) is an awesome villain, and
Sephiroth set the standard for all long haired moody villains to come.
I've always liked Ghaleon and Kefka, as well.

Prof: "Indeed. Slimes, including Googleshng, belong to the mucus
viscious phylum of creatures. This group includes slimes, oozes,
mustards, deadly puddings, and Secretary of State Madeline Albright.
Proceed such creatures with caution. They are generally weak against
lightning, ice, and Phantasy Star games.

Googleshng:Actually, that sounds about right.

FFIX ME!

Great Googly-Moogly,

Just a couple FF9 questions. First, do you know about
how long it will take to beat it? Also, how different
is the card game different from the one in FF8?
....wait! Don't leave yet! One more question! Do you
know if FF9 will come out on PC anytime soon (or ever,
for that matter?) Since I don't have a PSX (but will
eventually buy a PS2), I've bought the past 2 for the
computer. Thanks,

Jacotus

Little buddy:I imagine that a PC version of Final Fantasy 9 will be released
eventually. It all depends on when you plan on recieving that PS2. Eidos
released Final Fantasy 7 & 8 for PC, but has yet to comment on wether or
not they will do Final Fantasy 9. However, due to their excellent sales
for Final Fantasy 7 PC (I have my copy), I imagine that producing FFIX
would be a safe venture for them and thus, have a good chance at being
made. Just not for a good, long while.

Googleshng:FF9's card game is similar to FF8's, but
without the confusing optional rules and with much more confusing regular rules. As for
length... don't know... probably around 40 hours.

FF7 Ribbon

I realize that someone already has the job it's just that I figured maybe I
could get another one or maybe be a guest or something. I'm begging you.
PLEASE!!!!! Anywho. The other ribbon for FF7 is found in the ice place
(Gaia something) There is like a wall that you can walk right into over on
the right side. Just trying to help.

Trainee:Yes, a ribbon can be found in Gaea's cliff.
You visit there shorty after (if you havem't beaten this by now, tough)
Aeris dies.

Googleshng:What brought THIS up? Anyway, if I gave
a job to everyone who wanted one, RPGamer would have a staff of a couple thousand people.
Who would all probably get bored and quit in 3 months...

Parle-vous Francais?

hey hey,

Just have a little question/observation here. Today (well yesterday I
suppose) I got Final Fantasy 9 from my local EB. When I got home and
opened the jewel case, to my surprise and shock, there was only a manual
written in French within. Now for some time, companies have been
including French manuals along with the English because of some stupid
law we have here in Canada, but never have I seen one without a set of
English instructions. I phoned EB and they told me that nobody in our
area has the game with English instructions, and I was just wondering if
others in Canada had noticed this. In my opinion it is ultra lame and I
hate Quebec officials now.

Secondly, from your description of Skies of Arcadia, it sounds like it
is set in a place that is a LOT like the Realm of Air from the Death
Gate Cycle series of books. Are there elves and stuff on the top layer
of islands with dwarves on the bottom one perhaps? Just struck me as
being sorta odd.

Googleshng:You forgot deneumount: When we finish
off the supervillian. Not to mention inconvienient, and non-essentiale. Gotta love The
Tick. Ahem, what were we talking about? Oh right. If it's any consolation, page one of
the instructions says you can just toss them out the window and hit select if you ever
want to know something. As for your second question, no. Only humanoid creatures I've run
across are humans, and that's all I expect to see. Aside from the whole elemental plane
of air bit, it's a steampunk setting. There's humans, there's big steampowered and wind-driven
machines, and there's the vast unexplored sky... populated with huge fish/bird type monsters.
It's just plain cool.

FF9/CC

CC Spoiler

Hi Slimey!

I havent't played FF9 yet, and I'm sure it will be great... Well, I hope.
My question is: Does it feels like CC? I mean, does the story is stange
and not very involving? Does the caracters are strange / illogical /
impossible creatures to wich it is impossible to identify?

It seems I am the only one to think that but I was disapointed a lot by
CC. But it's a fact: CC put me to sleep! And to make things worst, I got
no ending when i beat the game. That bring my second question: I certainly
did something wrong... way wrong! How can I get an ending?? I mean, after
I kill (spoiler), the screen turn black and I go straight to the credits.
What have I done? Why is this game so complicated??

Thank!

-TBM

Whipper-snapper:Killing the final boss in Chrono Cross isn't the way to win. You get the
"good ending" by
1. Casting 6 elements in the correct order. (Yellow, red, green, blue,
black, and white.) Wait for the Devourer to use a yellow element before
you start the chain.
2. Then have Serge use the Chrono Cross (remember, it can be used as an
element)
3. A winner is you.

But methinks that before you play more video games, you should finish up
your Grammar homework. Ok? If English isn't your first language, I can
understand. But please, please double check your grammar, spelling,
before you click send. It's for your own good.

Googleshng:Use spells that hit your own guys to avoid
counterattack spells. They mess it all up. As for FF9, the world is populated by more freaks
than CC. It's amazing but true. It's almost up there with LoM even.

CC on CC

Hey there, Google and CC.

Speaking of CC, I've got a question for Chrono Cross (not the same
one, I know, I know)... what multi techs in CC do you know of? Or
even better, is there a list of them somewhere? Thanks

Googleshng:You forgot the one between Chrono Fei
and Serge! Er, no wait, there's no secret characters in Chrono Cross from other games.
Nope. Not a one. Honest. Don't bother looking. Tralala...

And no singing!

Hey Google,
As per the letter about recurring music themes in the FF Series, I
think
it's come to be expected of Uematsu. It's traditional, like Cid and the
Masamune. I was disappointed in FF7 when I didn't have that classic battle
music and the classical fanfare, but what the hey, for new styles of FFs
they bring up new music. Although those two are certainly not the only
recurring themes. The prologue from the original FF, of course. And
Aeris' theme is based directly off of Celes' Opera solo in FFVI. Where
would we be without noticing these little joys of FF music that connects
the series in such a fun way?
-Folken

Fresh-faced youth:Yup. The main theme, "Final Fantasy: Love" is one of the most recognized
pieces video game music. I grew up with that series ;)

Googleshng:Many great series do that sort of thing.
FF, DW probably, I haven't played many, Zelda, Phantasy Star... of course PS4 also includes
a track ripped from Fantasy Zone, which is THE hardest game in which you drop anvils on
dewwy eyed turtles in existance... except maybe Fantasy Zone 2.

DRAGON SLAAAAAAAVU!

Slayers? Did you say SLAYERS? Hehe...which seasons of
Slayers have you seen? Which do you like best? Personally
Next is my favorite...Lastly, have you seen Slayers Perfect
aka Slayers the Motion Picture? If not you HAVE to! NOW!
And since this isn't really RPG related can you at least
reply and tell me? =)

Shinigami

Young Upstart:I have the Slayers motion picture.
I think Slayers is ok. The movie had it's funny moments.

Googleshng:I have the entire first season, I've seen
all of next, and the OAVs that have been translated, and the lot of it is in the mail.
Christmas is good. Anyway, while I won't compare seasons I can say beyond the shadow of
a doubt that the funniest momment in the series is Noonsa.

DRAGON SLAAAAAAAVU!

Dear Goog

As FF9 will not be here in the UK until February probably, (can i just say
AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH..thankyou) I'm playing Front mission 3 please,
please, please help me!

1. Can you get the drake in alisa's storyline and the meledyne in emma's?
2. Can you get the Quibing 0 in Alisa's
3. How do i get the Paple web address in alisas storyline, the shopkeeper
in
Davo won't tell it to me, he just moans about Pham.

Love you lots you bundle of androgynous slime you,
Sophie xxx

Some new punk:I'm going to have to use Google as my lifeline on this one.

Googleshng:The drake and meledyne are exclusive to
the two storylines yes, but I'm pretty sure you can get Quibings in both. Hope so at least,
the bodies of those things just look so EVIL. As for Paple... I'm not sure. If anyone feels
extremely helpful, tell me these things. Don't tell the squirt here though, he needs all
the real questions he can get.

Quickies

For graphic style, which game do you prefer: FFVIII or FFIX?

Sincerely,
Insanerest of AOL

FFIX. FFVIII is pretty though. I like pretty things.

i have a question about a game

The undereducated eye might percieve this as a mistake. But using my
psychic powers, I can deduce what your question is.
The answer is that if you don't want Muki to teach you what love is all
about, stay out of the Honey Bee inn.

Escaflowne the Movie, have you seen it yet?
Great stuff....

I have not seen it as of yet. Rumors abound that 2001 will see the
release of a lot of good anime into theatres including a Vampire Hunter
D movie, Escaflowne, Pokemon 3: Emperor of the crystal tower, Spriggan,
and an Evangelion movie.

Waiting for FF9...Does it have limit breaks? And
where's Kalia gone!?
LightSoul

I am sans FF9. I could go buy it, but finals are coming up. Getting a
frontal lobotomy would be better for my academic standing than buying a
video game right now. That said, I'm not sure about the limit breaks or
"Kalia", but I imagine Google's answered it already.
Google: FF9 kinda has limit breaks for certain characters, but they work more like Terra's Morph.
Kalia meanwhile is down in the mines fixing every broken fanfic link. Hasn't come up for air in a bit
though...

So, did you just forget your template, or were you mocking our use of
templates? Huh? tell me now!

-- FireMyst

But, Mr. Spacely sir, It's my first day!
Google: Either my cleverness has gone over your head, or I made a mistake and I'm bluffing my way
out of it. You decide!

i love you!

-- hall of fame announcer, harry carey.

You're just saying that to get my body.

The Last Laugh:

Freshly damned: Such a shortage of letters today. So sad. Once again, it's been fun!
Tomorrow is my first day. Write in. I'll love you for it.
I bought a Vash the Stampede toy today. It's very, very cool.
See you tomorrow with more fan service. ;)

Google: In case you're wondering why I used a different derogitory term for our new little friend
each time it came up, it's because I hadn't had a chance to ask if he was going to sign columns under
his real name or not... plus that's just a really fun thing to do. For the record though he is, so you
can just adress all letters to Chris Martin... or you can do what I did here, which, I repeat, is fun.
Where would we be without hazing?